Lance Hruza, 55

Lance Michael Hruza, 55, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away Jan. 19, 2017, unexpectedly of a heart attack while doing what he loved: hitting the gym.

Lance was born Jan. 6, 1962, to Clarence and Shirley Hruza. He grew up in Colburn, Idaho, and attended Sandpoint High School. In the early 1980s, he engaged in amateur bodybuilding and thus grew his love for the gym. He first started working behind the scenes in television in the early ’90s on the set of “Northern Exposure”, which led to 27 years in the industry. He married his beautiful wife Heidi (Dexter) Hruza on Jan. 11, 2013.

Lance was a man who liked to stay busy and pursued many passions. He was dedicated to his work on the set of the television series “Grimm” and was a valued crew member, beloved coworker, and friend to many. Lance’s job suited his personality because he loved stories, films and books. He shared this love of storytelling with his children, Erica and Brad, and would often be heard having conversations that were conducted solely in movie quotes. The bond between the three of them was magical, funny and deep and his personality and character shined like a beacon, even in the darkest storm. No one who spent time with him went away without a smile or a laugh. He was a giant muscular man, a soft teddy bear, or as his grandchildren like to call him “Big Papa” or “Popup.”

Hunting with best friend, Brian Reynolds, camping, hiking, hanging out on the beach, or the St. Joe was second nature to Lance because of his love of the outdoors; and he spent hours working on his beautiful yard and flower beds. In other spare time, he built a 1969 Yenko Camaro replica from the ground up and also enjoyed cooking and was known for his world-famous garlic mashed potatoes, which he called “Lance’s World Famous Potatoes!” He often entertained his family and friends in his home for holidays and family dinners.

Lance loved his family and had a very close bond with his parents and sisters, his two children, grandkids, nieces and nephews. He was loved by so many and loved even more. His Heart was big enough to swallow the ocean and he would give you the shirt off his back if you truly needed it. His love and kindness knew no bounds. That is why we loved Lance, and that is why we will always love Lance.

Lance is survived by his wife, Heidi (Dexter-Hruza); mother, Shirley Hruza; daughter, Erica Hruza; son, Brad (Whitney) Hruza; sisters: Vicki (Bobby) Womack, Linda (Dan) Remsburg, Jackie Hanson, and Holly (Joe) Neel; stepchildren, Kole Raynor, E’Lissa (Alan) Olvera, Tori Raynor, and Jayden Kitchen; his beloved grandchildren: Anthony, Anden, Tagnan, Briggs, Marc, Makai, McKinlee, AJ, and Ryder; his nieces and nephew: Monica (Sheldon) Bennett, Christopher (Kelly) Hanson, Brooke (Brian) Alstatt, and Shawna (DJ) Myers; his lifelong best friend, Brian Reynolds. Lance leaves behind many other friends, family and loved ones.

He is preceded in death by his father, Clarence Hruza; grandparents, Clifford and Marie Tucker; niece, Amber Weatherford, and her daughter, Chloe Breaux.

A celebration of life gathering for Lance Hruza will be held at 4 p.m. on Jan. 28, 2017, at Yates Funeral

Home – Hayden Chapel, 373 E. Hayden Ave., Hayden, Idaho. Please visit Lance’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.